Matching pair Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both scored to help Inter Miami draw 2-2 with Nashville in the first leg of the 1/8 round of CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024.

Scoring: Shaffelburg 4, 46 – Messi 52, Suarez 90+5

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In the 52nd minute, Messi received the ball in front of the penalty area from a pass from Luis Suarez, but no player had time to get close. The away team’s captain pushed the ball two times, then curled it to the left corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joe Willis, reducing the score to 1-2. This goal can be considered a masterpiece for the players, but it is Messi’s forte.

It seemed like Miami would suffer its first defeat of the 2024 season, Suarez spoke up in the injury time of the second half. From Sergio Busquets’ placed cross from the right, Suarez jumped up to head the ball without anyone marking him, bringing the ball to the top corner to equalize 2-2. Messi and Suarez’s goals are still important because the CONCACAF Champions Cup still retains the away goals rule.

Messi (right) during the match in Nashville. Photo: USA Today

CONCACAF Champions Cup is considered the Champions League of North Central America, the championship of clubs in this region. This is the first time Inter Miami participated in the tournament and went straight to the 1/8 round, thanks to winning the 2023 Leagues Cup – the tournament where Messi was the top scorer and best player. Inter Miami is one of eight American clubs in the Champions Cup, in addition to teams Mexico, Costa Rica and Suriname.

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